Postcards to Rick Steves |
TIPS & DISCOVERIES
~If staying at Hotel des Remparts, take time to relax in the courtyard. You can order a glass of wine. If you desire to explore, bikes can be rented. Within minutes you'll be in the countryside, and the bike-only paths and service roads give you plenty of freedom.
~Stroll around Beaune in the evening, when all the lights come on. ~I recommend a walk to the peaceful Parc de la Bouzaize. About 15 minutes from town, it is perfect for families (boat rides, a merry-go-round, picnic opportunities), nature-lovers (trails), and those seeking solitude (a nice quiet bench by the water). If you continue further, your feet will take you right into the vineyards. I also recommend a stroll along the ramparts. I discovered this by accident during a random afternoon walk. I heard lots of laughter coming from the next block, so I followed the sound up a hill, past a school (where the laughter came from), and up to the ramparts, whose tree-lined path gives you views into town below and into the countryside. ~There are plenty of places to buy and taste wine. One of the best is Patriarche Pere et Fils, where for 15 euros you can taste up to 13 wines. Touring some of the three miles of underground passages will help sober you up. Denis Perret is another great place to buy wine. I was recommended a local wine shop called Vinoboam for an inexpensive tasting; even though it was raining, the shop was not busy, and I had a private tasting and fun wine discussion for 45 minutes with the employee. ~I discovered two amazing stores in Beaune. Alain Hess sells a tempting selection of cheese, mustard, and other delicacies. The Athenaeum sells wine, books, movies, household items, and other souvenirs. Outside you can put your nose to the test and sniff several scents and try to guess what it is. Selections range from the sweet (strawberries) to the stinky (tobacco). If you enjoy mustard, the nearby Mustard Mill is for you! ~Mingling with the locals! France is playing Germany in the World Cup tonight! We find a local theater hall and, for a low price, get two drinks and the opportunity to watch the game on a big screen. Not a tourist in sight! It's great cheering the team on. Everyone is dressed in blue; the kids are especially excited. Unfortunately, France lost tonight, but it was still a great experience. |
~Sharing a laugh with tour members. On a clear night, under the stars and admist the flicker of the lamps, my new friends and I share stories and conversation in the hotel courtyard. Fellow tour member and wine lover Ruben gives himself a new rap name: Grand Cruben! "Today was a fun day, mostly because of the people I am with." - Journal entry, July 5, 2014. |
Everyone is excited about our next stop: Chamonix, a resort town in the French Alps. Daniela's daily schedule fills us with anticipation!